Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hearten differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of hearten are embolden, encourage, and inspirit. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

When can embolden be used instead of hearten?

While in some cases nearly identical to hearten, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When might encourage be a better fit than hearten?

Although the words encourage and hearten have much in common, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When could inspirit be used to replace hearten?

The words inspirit and hearten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hearten Chicago Tribune Cochran was also heartened by the new pope’s choice of his papal name, which evokes the memory of Leo the Great, a fifth-century pope who convinced Attila the Hun not to attack Italy. Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 America’s adversaries are no doubt heartened by its ballooning debt. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025 Wall Street was also heartened when the White House suggested the U.S.’s trade war with China might de-escalate. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 And she is heartened by the outpouring of support for Mel and the concern for Belinda’s fate. Phoebe Reilly, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hearten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hearten
Verb
  • On-site programming at Mountain Modern embraces Sedona's mystical vibes with crystal bowl sound baths, mindful meditation and breath work sessions, and ceremonies inspired by Indigenous traditions.
    Annie Archer, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • Selling such toys violates a New York law inspired by police encounters that have resulted in fatalities because the guns, though harmless, look like actual firearms.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Inner reflection is encouraged with Mercury in Gemini.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hearten. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hearten

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